After several years, multiple diagnosis and cancer treatments, Steve Drayton continues to give back to his community and those who stood by him even during tough times. Not only was he diagnosed with HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus which attacks the body's immune system, but he also survived cancer three times. Going through all of these harrowing processes did not make him disheartened, instead this only fueled his drive to support and advocate for the well-being and health gap experienced by LGBTQIA+ community through education and advocacy. Promise Made Amidst the HIV Epidemic In the 1990s, when the HIV epidemic was devastating the gay community, Steve personally experienced its harsh reality. In 1994, he was diagnosed with Kaposi sarcoma. KS is a type of cancer that is often seen in people with weakened immune systems. Being diagnosed with HIV, his immune system was already compromised and this diagnosis confirmed that his HIV had progressed to AIDS. What is Kaposi Sarcoma (KS)? Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a type of cancer that usually shows up as purple spots or bumps on your skin, in your mouth, or in your digestive system. These growths can also spread to other parts inside your body. It's caused by a specific virus called human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). However, most people who have this virus do not get KS. This cancer usually develops in people whose immune system is weak, like those with HIV, individuals who have received an organ transplant, or older adults. Steve and his best friend both received HIV and AIDS diagnoses. Sadly, his friend did not survive. Before his friend passed away, Steve made a heartfelt promise: he would do everything he could to prevent others from enduring the same suffering. Honoring this promise, Steve immediately took action. He began raising money for HIV resources, joined support groups, and taught safe sex classes in prisons to educate people on how to reduce their risk of HIV. He credits his best friend as the inspiration for his lifelong journey of advocacy. Bike Ride Leads to a Life-Saving Discovery Years later, in 1999, Steve met his husband, Stephen. Together, "the Steves" expanded their advocacy efforts. Witnessing many friends and family affected by cancer, they found a shared passion for cycling and began participating in bike rides to raise money for cancer research. In 2016, one particular bike ride dramatically changed Steve's life. While participating in the American Cancer Society Bike-A-Thon, riding from Philadelphia to Ocean City, New Jersey, Steve felt an unusual discomfort. It was the morning after the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting, and despite the emotional weight and physical exertion of the ride, he knew something was wrong with his body. Steve reported his symptoms to his doctor, leading to a quick colonoscopy. In September 2016, at age 56, he was diagnosed with Stage III rectal cancer. The National Institute of Cancer explains that this kind of cancer forms in the rectal tissue of the rectum. He believes the discomfort he felt while cycling, which prompted him to see a doctor, was crucial in catching the cancer early. He underwent two months of chemotherapy and radiation. While his doctors warned of side effects, Steve was unprepared for the intense and persistent rectal pain. To find relief, he opted for an ostomy procedure, which created a new way for waste to leave his body. The pain subsided, but Steve had to adjust to permanently wearing an ostomy pouch. In July 2018, Steve received his third cancer diagnosis: squamous cell skin cancer. He was treated with surgery and has had no recurrence, continuing annual skin checks. Understanding Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Skin cancers typically begin in the epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin. This layer has two main types of cells where cancer can start. Squamous cells are the flat cells on the surface that are always shedding. When these grow abnormally, they can become squamous cell skin cancer. Below them are basal cells, which constantly divide to create new skin cells. As these new cells move upward, they flatten out and become squamous cells. When cancer begins in these basal cells, it's called basal cell skin cancer. Treatment And Advocacy For Multiple Cancer Nearly seven years after his skin cancer diagnosis and ten years after his rectal cancer diagnosis, Steve is living cancer-free. He and Phen are approaching their 26th anniversary and still enjoy their Saturday date nights. Although treatment effects prevent Steve from cycling now, he and Phen continue to be active advocates in their community. They share their powerful story, encouraging everyone to be aware of their cancer risks and to get recommended screenings. Steve believes it's his duty to share his journey and raise awareness about organizations like the American Cancer Society.
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